Charneskie: Millie Hamner's public forum was fair

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It is extremely clear after reading Mr. McGahey’s letter to the editor, that his lashing out at Representative Hamner is completely misdirected. I attended the town hall meeting on Aug. 23 as well. It was clear that Kim McGahey came with a purpose. That purpose was not to debate or listen, as most of us were there to do. It was to clearly distort and twist the truth. In fact, after reading his letter; I question whether or not we were at the same meeting. Mr. McGahey and many others there had a tone of aggression and anger that was quite palpable. Representative Hamner’s intent from the beginning was to encourage her constituents who have many different views to share their thoughts and opinions. She welcomed each person’s comments and thanked each one, regardless of the sometimes-hostile nature and tone of those comments.

As Americans who cherish our democracy it is vital that we address our elected officials with respect. It seems that the chair of the Summit County Republican party left his manners at the door. Representative Hamner answered questions thoroughly and with grace and dignity, as she always does. She showed great appreciation and consideration to the differences of opinion on very sensitive subjects. If she were really trying to hide her views, would she have openly invited the community to a public forum, as she does so often? I am proud she represents me and Summit County and her accomplishments are many, especially when it comes to education, wildfire prevention, forest health, and protecting our air and water quality.

I pledge my continued support to Representative Hamner and expect her to continue to reach out to all of her constituents, to lead without judgment and to listen as she did Friday night, with an open mind and a caring heart.